Welcoming over 500 designers, architects, and industry professionals from Dubai and beyond, Dubai Design Week is a major industry event with an extensive programme of exhibitions, talks, workshops, installations, markets, and booths. This year, DesignSpace attended Dubai Design Week 2023 to present the extraordinary Vetreri di Empoli.
Dubai Design Week started in 2015, aimed at celebrating and promoting design in Dubai under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.
Exhibition Highlights
Of Palm by Abwab
Abwab is an annual feature of Dubai Design Week that celebrates the best in design from across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia - particularly renowned for its use of raw materials in innovative and sustainable ways.
The name ‘Abwab’ translates to ‘doors’ in Arabic and is uniquely experienced at Dubai Design Week, highlighting creative talent and stimulating cultural exchange. A total of 187 designers have participated in Abwab to date, representing countries across the continent - Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and more.
This year, at Dubai Design Week 2023, Abwab commissioned Emirati architect Abdalla Almulla with Of Palm, a large wooden installation made entirely from palm tree. Inspired by the United Arab Emirate’s desert landscape, the structure invited guests to walk among it and consider how sustainable architecture can help humanity mitigate the impact of climate change. The entire pavilion, from structure to interior design, was created from abundant indigenous palm tree – a powerful statement championing resourcefulness and innovation.
Urban Commissions
Returning for its eight edition in 2023, Urban Commissions presents designers, architects and collectives the opportunity to develop outdoor ‘furniture’ in the public domain, consisting of anything from innovative street furniture to shaded places where people can gather. The design must be made of sustainable materials, as well as being usable and enjoyable throughout the year.
Ahmad Alkattan was the 2023 winner of Urban Commissions. The Dubai-based Syrian concept designer and architect was inspired by the traditional pigeon towers of the Arabian Peninsula, used to protect pigeons during harsh weather and collect fertiliser. Alkattan created his own take on this cultural landmark with entrances for birds and human visitor alike, with a sustainable way to collect natural pigeon fertiliser to be used on plants in the Dubai Design District.
Downtown Design
Established in 2013, Downtown Design is the leading design fair in the Middle East – a premier event for original, high-quality design. Held annually during Dubai Design Week, it showcases Dubai’s rising prominence as a global design hub, attracting the region’s most elite designers, architects, and industry professionals.
This year, the 10th edition of the fair showcased over 300 international brands and manufacturers alongside independent artists, design studios, and collectives. The fair’s focus on limited-edition and bespoke design has established it as a hub for exclusive, luxurious design.
As a major industry event for local and international design communities, Downtown Design provides the unique opportunity for networking between thought-leaders and decision-makers on a huge scale.
Vetreri di Empoli at Dubai Design Week
DesignSpace was honoured to attend Downtown Design with Vetreri di Empoli. With an extensive artisan legacy spanning all the way from the early 20th century, we partnered with Milan-based Vetreri di Empoli to present their extraordinary glassworks collection at Dubai Design Week.
Following huge commercial success from their conception in 1935, Vetreri di Empoli has attracted an audience of the most sophisticated international clients seeking luxury glassworks. We invited attendees of Dubai Design Week at Downtown Design to become part of this incredible story with Vetrerie di Empoli's glassworks.
As an exclusive sales agent for our exclusive portfolio of high-end brands, Dubai Design Week and Downtown Dubai provide an incredible opportunity to network with brands and clients alike. It was an honour to partner with Vetreri di Empoli for this major design event.
Interested in our sales agency or FF&E procurement services? Contact us to request a call or a full catalogue of our brands.
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